Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Chapter 471: Chapter 384 Farmers

Joseph knew that the British also wanted to observe what kind of reaction the recently announced French land redemption scheme would provoke, trying to find usable bargaining chips in the process.

However, he had already made thorough preparations and was not about to give the British any opportunity to take advantage.

Eman knocked on the door and entered, pressing his hand to his chest, he said, “Your Highness, the carriage is ready.”

Joseph nodded, descended the stairs, and climbed into the carriage, speeding toward the Palace of Versailles. Assuming everything was as expected, those of the Old Nobility would be in a state of panic by now; he had to get there quickly to stabilize the situation.

…

Reims.

Zephir Village.

The village chapel was packed with people, and outside, even more people were lined up with bowed heads. It had never been this crowded even when the Church in the city of Reims held large masses here.

Father Joly, somewhat wearily, massaged his shoulders and said in a gentle voice to the seven kneeling peasants before him:

"Alright, you have confessed your sins to God devoutly, and you shall be forgiven. Now, rise. Mr. Mari, could you please let the next group in

But the kneeling peasants still stubbornly cried out:

"No, please let me stay a little longer. My sins are too grave; I even fell under the seduction of foreign spies and took part in that damned uprising… Oh, I even cursed the King. I am such a scoundrel; His Majesty is so grand, he is

His limited vocabulary failed to convey his emotions fully; he just kept repeating “grand” and “long live the King.”

The people beside him spoke similar words, prostrating themselves vigorously as if the King himself were before them.

Indeed, after the government officially announced the land redemption scheme, peasants throughout France were sent into a frenzy. No, it was more than that; they were ablaze with joy, shock, gratitude, and the flames of rebirth that engulfed every village.

The redemption scheme stipulated that all French people could acquire up to 30 acres of arable land by paying a sum equivalent to eight years of the land’s output and tribute.

The money could be paid in installments over the years, and there was no need to pay it off all at once. Moreover, government subsidies for the redemption costs were to be provided based on the number of years the land had been cultivated, with additional subsidies for higher yields.

Overall, tenant farmers who had cultivated a piece of land for over 20 years and whose yields exceeded the surrounding lands by 30% were to receive government subsidies amounting to 30% of the redemption cost!

Additionally, families purchasing no more than 30 acres per person could obtain loans from the Bank of French Agriculture after approval by the parish Church—Joseph had set up this bank, which mainly dealt with agricultural matters, by leading the Bank of France Reserve to invest and attracting substantial local government funds to facilitate the advancement of the land redemption.

The interest on these loans was very low, and any tenant farming family could use them to pay the first installment of the redemption sum, thereby immediately gaining their farmland.

Of course, the loans would not be delivered to the peasants’ hands, but would be directly used to pay the redemption fees on schedule. Moreover, the loan repayment period could be extended up to 15 years, relieving peasants of worries about the redemption costs—as long as they cultivated the land well in the future, they would face virtually no financial pressure.

As for purchases exceeding 30 acres per person, a “handling fee” of 20% would be charged.

And beyond 100 acres per person, not only would the handling fee increase to 33%, but half of the total redemption amount would have to be paid in cash upfront, with the balance due within four years.

These redemption conditions were several times better than the best scenario the peasants had imagined!

Especially since there had been rampant rumors that the redemption period would be 50 years and the payment had to be made in one installment, the peasants now saw the King as merciful and loving as God himself.

They did not fear hard work, as long as they could see hope and knew their days would not be crushed by exorbitant redemption sums; they were highly satisfied.

And now, with only eight years, they could own their own land just like the old noble lords.

All of this was bestowed upon them by the great King, the benevolent “Savior,” Louis XVI.

Those peasants who had previously participated in the rebellion were tormented by their conscience without anyone else pointing fingers, and they were in unbearable pain. Thus, they came to the church en masse, in hopes of lessening the burden of their sins before God.

Priest Joly helplessly dragged the farmers in front of him to their feet, one by one, which nearly exhausted the fifty-something-year-old man. After catching his breath for a good while, he gently comforted the dozen or so people,

"Even God has forgiven you, and His Merciful Majesty the King will certainly not blame you any longer.

"If you wish to wash away the guilt in your hearts, just come to Church often and pray devoutly for His Majesty the King.”

The farmers immediately nodded vigorously,

"You’re right, I will come to pray for His Majesty every day!”

"I will come every day too. I will be forever loyal to His Majesty!”

"And me

After they were ushered out of the confessional by Mr. Mari who had waited for a long time, 7 people who had also been waiting immediately crowded in—to improve efficiency, Priest Joly had no choice but to use the confessional in this way.

And the farmers who had left the confessional heard what seemed like a speech outside the Church. An enthusiastic neighbor told them it was people deceived by Saint-Just letting out their anger.

Upon hearing this, the farmers were instantly furious. It was all Saint-Just’s fault, with his sanctimonious demeanor, fooling everyone by saying the government was implementing a 50-year redemption scheme and inciting everyone to create trouble!

It was despicable, utterly vile!

Curious, a few of them approached the person giving the speech, listening to his denunciation of the harm the “Liberals” were causing to France.

A farmer asked the person next to him with confusion,

"What are Liberals?”

An experienced farmer explained to him,

"Oh, I’ve heard Baron Guy say that those kinds of people like Saint-Just are called ‘Liberals.’ They’re dead set on overthrowing His Majesty the King.”

"Those bastards! If anyone dares to disrespect His Majesty the King, I definitely won’t let them off!”

"Exactly! If I see those so-called Liberals, I will report them to the Mounted Police.”

"Liberals? What they bring is not liberty, but lies and deception!”

Joseph had not expected that, after this incident, the radical Liberals in France would become like rats crossing the street, at least among the farmer class, they no longer had any market.

Soon, the farmers switched the topic to Dutch spies.

"Those shameless curs,” someone said vehemently, “may God punish them!”

"My relative in the city told me that over one hundred and thirty spies caught have all been sentenced to hanging.”

"That’s wonderful! They got what they deserved!”

"I’ve heard His Majesty the King is at war with the Dutch.”

"Is that true? Then I must send my second son to join the army.”

"I’m sending my son too!”

"Hmph, I’ve got five sons

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